Kampala, Uganda – In his capacity as President of Uganda and Chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has issued a carefully worded public statement addressing Uganda’s position on the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, a message that is as much philosophical as it is diplomatic.
Responding to a recent complaint by the Iranian Ambassador to Uganda, who questioned Kampala’s silence on the conflict, Museveni confirmed via his official @KagutaMuseveni handle that Uganda has not yet “externalized” its long-held views but affirmed that those views are rooted in anti-chauvinism and interest-based diplomacy.
“It is true that we have not yet externalized our long-held views on that situation,” Museveni posted.
“Good enough, we have got good relations with both Israel and Iran, not to forget the United States of America and other Countries of the World.”
Amid an increasingly polarized global landscape with tensions escalating between Israel and pro-Palestinian actors, and broader geopolitical rivalries simmering, Museveni’s tone was neither accusatory nor apologetic. Instead, it reflected Uganda’s delicate balancing act between conflicting allies.
“In our long history of resistance,” he added, “we abhor chauvinism of identity (race, tribe, religion, etc) or gender (looking down upon women). We always stand for the politics of interests, legitimate interests of the stakeholders.”
This statement, characteristic of Museveni’s Pan-African, liberation-era ideology, signals that Uganda’s eventual position on the Middle East crisis may avoid taking sides based on religious or ideological alliances, and instead promote a pragmatic, interests-first approach.
As Chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) until 2027, Museveni’s words carry weight across 120 member states, many of which are watching the Israel-Palestine conflict with grave concern. The NAM has historically stood in solidarity with Palestine, but Museveni’s Uganda has also maintained robust ties with Israel, Iran, and the United States.
Museveni’s approach of preaching against identity chauvinism and in favor of shared interests offers a non-doctrinal framework for conflict resolution that sidesteps typical East-West or Muslim-Jewish binaries.
Uganda’s silence on the latest Gaza escalation had not gone unnoticed. Diplomats, especially from Muslim-majority countries like Iran, had quietly expressed concern about the lack of a public position from Kampala, especially given its current role as NAM chair.
Museveni’s statement now opens the door for a broader African-led mediation voice, and possibly a NAM summit resolution, should member states push for collective action or commentary.
“Museveni is laying philosophical ground before issuing a formal policy stance. It’s strategic. He’s framing the discussion in African resistance history, not in religious or partisan terms.”
While no formal position has been released, Museveni’s Twitter thread suggests that Uganda and possibly NAM will soon externalize their views on the Middle East conflict. His statement also implies that both Israeli and Palestinian concerns will be considered through the lens of legitimate interests, not identity politics.
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